It is a lesson from which Parker believes other English clubs can learn.

"He told us from the outset that we were going to try and win it," said the midfielder, 32, "and that we were going to go strong. I think, from previous years, you might take a lesser squad or you rest certain players but it's never been the case this season. I think every player has been fully aware of how strong and how much the manager wants to do well in this competition.

"It's a big competition and there are big teams in it as well. If you win this competition you've done bloody well. You deserve a lot of credit, as a squad and as a team to achieve that.

"It's something that I'd love to do and be able to look back on at the end of my career. As a player, there is nothing more rewarding than going to a final and lifting a trophy."